To run the pick-and-roll, the ball handler sets up his defender away from the screen, waits for the screener to get set, comes off the screen shoulder to shoulder and attacks downhill while reading the two defenders involved. The screener then rolls, pops, short rolls or slips depending on how the defense reacts. Every defensive coverage leaves something open, so the key to a great pick-and-roll is reading the defense quickly and making the right play, supported by good spacing from the other three players.
Why the Pick-and-Roll Works
The pick-and-roll forces two defenders to guard two offensive players at the same time, often with only a split second to decide who takes whom. If they hesitate, the ball handler can get downhill, the screener can get open near the rim or a shooter can be left open when help comes. That is why the pick-and-roll is the most common action in modern basketball at many levels, from youth leagues to the NBA.
Ball Handler Steps
- Set up your defender. Take him a step or two away from the screen with a jab or a dribble, so he cannot anticipate it.
- Wait for the screen. Let the screener get fully set before you move. Going too early can cause a moving screen or let the defender slide through.
- Come off tight. Brush shoulder to shoulder with the screener so your defender cannot slip between you.
- Attack downhill. Turn the corner toward the basket to put pressure on the defense.
- Read both defenders. Watch the screener’s defender and the help defenders to decide whether to shoot, drive or pass.
- Make the play. Take the open shot, attack the rim or deliver the ball to the roller or an open shooter.
Reading Defensive Coverages
| If the defense | Attack with |
|---|---|
| Drops the big back | A pull-up jumper or floater in the space in front of the big |
| Hedges or shows | A pass to the roller as the big recovers, or a quick split if the hedge leaves a gap |
| Blitzes or traps | A quick pass to the screener on the short roll, creating a four-on-three |
| Switches | Attacking the slower defender or posting up the smaller one |
| Sends the guard under the screen | A jump shot behind the screen |
| Ices a side screen | A reject dribble away from the screen or a pass to the popping screener |
Screener Options
The screener is just as important as the ball handler. After setting a solid, legal screen, he has several choices. Rolling means diving hard to the rim with hands up, ready for a pocket pass or lob. Popping means stepping out to the perimeter for a jump shot, which works well for big men who can shoot. The short roll means catching the ball in the middle of the floor, often near the free throw line, and making a play against a scrambling defense. Slipping means cutting to the basket before making contact, often when the defense jumps out early. Good screeners read their own defender and choose the option that punishes his position.
Passing Out of the Pick-and-Roll
Great pick-and-roll players are great passers. The pocket pass, a quick bounce pass between the two defenders to the rolling screener, is one of the most useful. The lob pass works when the big man’s defender stays with the ball handler and the roller has a clear path to the rim. Kick-out passes to shooters punish help defenders who leave the perimeter. Ball handlers should keep their dribble alive and their eyes up so they can see all options, and they should deliver passes on time, since windows close quickly.
Timing and Chemistry
The pick-and-roll depends on timing between two players. The screener must arrive at the right moment, set a solid screen and move into his next action just as the ball handler turns the corner. The ball handler must know when the screener likes to roll or pop and where he wants the ball. This chemistry comes from repetition in practice and communication in games. Many teams develop specific pairings, such as a point guard and center who run the action together, because familiarity makes their reads faster and more reliable.
Pick-and-Roll for Youth Players
Young players can start learning the pick-and-roll once they are comfortable dribbling with both hands and making basic passes. Begin with walk-throughs and emphasize legal screens and patience. Focus on two reads: shoot or drive if the defense backs off, and pass to the roller if both defenders go to the ball. Keeping it simple builds confidence and good habits for later.
Spacing Around the Pick-and-Roll
The other three players decide how much room the pick-and-roll has. Place shooters in the corners and on the weak-side wing so help defenders must choose between stopping the roller and staying home on shooters. Avoid crowding the lane, which gives the defense an easy way to help. If a defender helps on the roller, the nearest shooter should be ready to catch and shoot. Some teams also station a big man in the dunker spot along the baseline for dump-off passes when the defense collapses.
Types of Pick-and-Roll Actions
- Middle pick-and-roll: Run at the top of the key, giving the ball handler options to go either direction.
- Side pick-and-roll: Run on the wing, often forcing the defense to choose whether to ice the screen.
- Drag screen: An early screen in transition before the defense sets up.
- Double drag: Two screens in a row in transition to confuse coverage.
- Spain pick-and-roll: A back screen is set on the roller’s defender, creating extra confusion.
- Inverted pick-and-roll: A big man handles and a guard screens, forcing unusual matchups.
Pick-and-Roll Drills
- Two-on-zero reads: Practice footwork, timing and passes without defense.
- Two-on-two live: Run the action against defenders using different coverages.
- Three-on-three with a shooter: Add a weak-side shooter to practice kick-outs.
- Coverage recognition: Coaches call a coverage for the defense, and the offense must read and attack it.
Rulebook note: The screener must set a legal screen: stationary, feet roughly shoulder-width apart, and no extending arms, hips or legs into the defender. Moving screens are offensive fouls. The ball handler must also follow traveling and dribbling rules when splitting or rejecting screens. These principles apply at the NBA, NCAA, FIBA and NFHS levels, with minor differences.
Common Pick-and-Roll Mistakes
- Leaving before the screen is set. This lets the defender escape and can cause moving screens.
- Not setting up the defender. Without a setup, the defender easily goes over the screen.
- Coming off wide. A gap between ball handler and screener lets the defender slide through.
- Picking up the dribble too early. This lets the defense recover and trap.
- Screener not rolling or popping. A screener who stands still is easy to ignore.
- Poor spacing. Crowded floors make help defense easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pick-and-roll?
It is a two-player action where one player sets a screen for the ball handler and then rolls toward the basket or pops out for a shot, creating a decision for the defense.
What is the difference between a pick-and-roll and a pick-and-pop?
In a pick-and-roll, the screener cuts toward the basket after screening. In a pick-and-pop, he steps out to the perimeter for a jump shot.
How do you beat drop coverage?
Attack the space in front of the dropping big with pull-up jumpers or floaters, or draw him up and pass to the roller.
